More From

Fields shines as No. 6 Ohio State trounces Miami (Ohio) 76-5

Ohio State linebacker Malik Harrison, left, celebrates after recovering a fumble against Miami (Ohio) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State coach Ryan Day says he's still trying to determine just how good the Buckeyes are after a fourth straight blowout win.

He might start to find out more next week.

The sixth-ranked Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) trounced Miami (Ohio) 76-5 on Saturday and now prepare for a rugged stretch of Big Ten games beginning with a visit to Nebraska and then a home game against Michigan State.

"Maybe midway through the season, we'll have a better idea," Day said. "I do think that we're playing with a lot of passion, we're playing hard, we're playing tough. That's clear to see, but again, we go on the road and that's a big test next week. I think I'll have a better idea next week."

One thing for sure is that quarterback Justin Fields is turning out to be something special.

The sophomore Georgia transfer threw four touchdown passes and rushed for two more scores in the second quarter alone before taking a seat and letting his two backups mop up in the second half. Fields has accounted for 19 touchdowns in the first four games.

"We defended him as well as we could," Miami coach Chuck Martin said. "We just couldn't get the big son of a gun on the ground."

Miami freshman quarterback Brett Gabbert was 5 for 15 for 48 yards and an interception before getting injured and leaving the game in favor of Jackson Williams in the second quarter. The RedHawks (1-3) were held to 130 total yards.

The game was suspended because of lightning with 2:40 left and then was declared over by consent of the two head coaches.

BAD BREAK EARLY

Fields committed his first turnover of the season when Miami linebacker Myles Reid batted the ball out his hand and it trickled out of the back of the end zone for a safety that gave the RedHawks an early lead. Miami kicked a field goal and led 5-0 before Ohio State scored the next 76 points.

Fields says falling behind didn't startle him.

"Coach always tells us we're eventually going to get punched in the face," he said. "It's just about how we respond."

THE TAKEAWAY

Miami: The RedHawks, despite hanging tough in the opening quarter, are probably glad to have this one behind them. They didn't have the talent to keep it close.

"We got a good bounce early and that helped us early, and then they settled in," Martin said.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes are speeding along and flattening overmatched opponents. Fields continues to show his immense potential. The larger challenges are still ahead in the dog days of a tough Big Ten stretch.

"We've got a lot of momentum right now," linebacker Baron Browning said. "We just need to keep our momentum going and keep getting better, not focus on who we're playing, just keep getting better. That was our focus and the mission for the day."

POLL IMPLICATIONS

Another blowout of an overmatched team likely isn't going to impress voters, even with gaudy numbers from Fields.

CHASING THE QB

All-America defensive end Chase Young delivered two sacks, both of which led to Miami fumbles that the Buckeyes recovered. Young has recorded seven sacks this season.

"It was just a good, good defensive effort," Young said. "Hopefully we can try to do that against Nebraska."

QUOTABLE

"It's pretty awesome, it's not fun to go against, but pretty awesome to see how many explosive athletes they got," Martin said.

UP NEXT

Miami: Hosts Buffalo next Saturday.

Ohio State: At Nebraska next Saturday night.

___

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25